MY GOD, I LOVE THEE
"Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee." John 21:15
Words: Of 17th Century Spanish origin, sometimes attributed to St.
Francis Xavier; translated from Latin to English by Edward Caswall,
1849.
Music: "St. Fulbert," Henry John Gauntlett, 1849.
My God, I love Thee; not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor yet because who love Thee not
May eternally die.
Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace.
And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E'en death itself; and all for man
Who was Thine enemy.
[ this verse is often omitted ]
Why, then why, O blessèd Jesus Christ
Should I not love Thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor escaping hell.
Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Nor seeking a reward,
But as Thyself hast lovèd me,
O everlasting Lord!
E'en so I love Thee, and will love,
And in Thy praise will sing,
Solely because Thou art my God,
And my eternal King.